Muscat – Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement’s objectives of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to an ambitious green hydrogen strategy, which targets investments worth RO54bn and creating 70,000 permanent jobs.

According to the government’s strategy, development of a green hydrogen economy is at the heart of the sultanate’s decarbonisation efforts and energy security objectives.

Here is what Muscat Daily readers had to say on Oman’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050:

Mohamed Mansoor Ahmed
Private sector employee
Net zero can be achieved by balancing the usage of green house gases produced and its removal from atmosphere. Oman too can join a few countries who have set a target and are consciously working towards the set objectives. What we can do is plant more trees and by retaining and creating more forests which would help in maintaining surface temperatures and also keep a check on rising sea levels and uncertain climatic conditions. Countries like Japan, Canada and in the EU have legally binding net zero commitments. One cannot think of stopping global warming overnight, but every right step taken can certainly slow down the rate. So the thumb rule is to have a check on the waste we produce, using available resources efficiently and effectively, creating awareness and most importantly being responsible and accountable in sustaining production and consumption.

Afzal Yusuf Khan
Mechanical engineer
The primary focus should be on removing carbon dioxide from air, avoid future carbon emissions by evaluating data and making decisions for the future generations. Reducing current greenhouse gases through greater efficiency in energy and material use, and investing and making intelligent designs to neutralise residual emissions is the way forward. And yes, there is a great deal of excitement around green hydrogen in Oman.

Samuel PV
Businessman
The easiest and best way is to use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These can indeed significantly reduce carbon emissions both during construction and once the home is built and lived in.

Abdullah al Balushi
Government employee
This is one of the biggest issues that we are facing collectively around the world, including Oman. We must now shift to energy sources that are sustainable. I think installing solar panels and mini wind turbines on new buildings will make properties more energy efficient.

Salim al Busaidi
Engineer
It is high time we look seriously at the environment. We must reduce emissions from factories, reduce carbon emissions and take strong action against deforestation. It has indeed been a major factor in driving up emissions of carbon, so researchers feel that planting new trees and restoring lost forest areas are simple and cheap ways that could help us now.